Ever since King Zhao Zhu Youdi heard the news about Linzhang, he had trouble sleeping and eating. He was so anxious that there was a circle of blisters around his mouth. When he spoke, he felt a terrible pain when he touched the corner of his mouth.
He could only cover his mouth and hiss, sucking in the cold air, while weakly waving to his son: "Don't cause trouble, don't cause trouble..."
"If you don't cause trouble, will it never happen?! Disaster is coming, Father, King!" the crown prince Zhu Houyu said, biting his molar teeth.
Zhu Houyu was the eldest son of King Zhao. He was sixteen years old. He was smart since he was a child, diligent in learning and inquiring. He was especially good at poetry. Because of his prodigious literary talent, he was quite famous among the literati in Zhangde Prefecture.
King Zhao has always been indecisive. Although the prince is still a young man, he had to mature early and is now worthy of half of the family of King Zhao.
But when it comes to major events like this that concern the survival of the entire vassal state, King Zhao still has to make the decision.
However, what King Zhao did these days was just to ask his talented son to write one letter after another of brilliant literary works and send them to the capital...
"We are waiting for the imperial edict. If they don't have the imperial edict, they still copy it from Linzhang!" The prince stamped his feet and said, "The eunuch Liao Boring has not come to see you yet..."
Internal strife within the vassal vassals was extremely frequent, and even more ferocious. King Zhao Zhu Youdi was almost beaten to death by his own father Zhu Jianxue before, and among them, Linzhang, Tangyin, Pingxiang and other princes were involved.
In fact, the Prince of Zhao did not like the princes of the counties. To be honest, he would like to see the success of Linzhang, but he must not be charged with "bringing harm to the local area and intending to rebel"!
The former means that the Zhao Palace is incompetent and lacks restraint, which directly affects the reputation of the Zhao Palace. As a "scholar", the prince still takes reputation very seriously.
Not to mention the latter, if it is really considered a rebellion, then, look at the fate of the Shanshan and Shaanxi vassals after the Anhua rebellion, and you will know what will happen to Zhao Fan.
But his biological father...
King Zhao closed his eyes, covered his mouth, and waved to his son, "It would be better if Liao Boring didn't come..."
But it was said that Cao Cao had arrived. While he was talking, King Zhao's personal servants from outside rushed to report. Governor Shen Rui, guard eunuch Liao Boring, commander Zhou Xian, and prefect Yu Pan came to visit.
King Zhao opened his eyes suddenly, and the hand covering his mouth shook unconsciously. His face became a little paler. He calmed down and asked, "Zhou Xian?! But... you have troops with you?"
The chamberlain also forced out a smile, but it was uglier than crying, "It was reported outside that there was a group of people, but they were waiting outside the door of the mansion, but they didn't... they didn't surround the mansion..."
King Zhao breathed a sigh of relief and said with a sad face: "Let's change clothes."
He turned to look at his son, not yet deciding whether to let him go with him. He wanted to be emboldened by having his son by his side, but he was also afraid that this kid would cause big trouble by speaking openly.
As a result, the prince didn't even wait for him to make a decision. He said hello, strode out of the door and went back to change clothes.
King Zhao had no choice but to admit it with a sigh.
Then, soon, he regretted it.
The seats were set up in the Chengyun Hall, and before anyone could speak in an official tone, Prince Zhao took the lead and asked Zhou Xian with a very friendly tone, "How come my cousin is here in Zhangde? Is he here to carry out an errand?"
King Zhao's head was buzzing when he heard the "order", but he had no quick wit. He opened his mouth but didn't know how to open his mouth.
On the other side, Zhou Xian had already put on a warm smile towards the younger generation and said warmly: "Exactly. The emperor has ordered Governor Shen to take charge of the military affairs of Shandong and Henan. I will obey the imperial edict and obey Governor Shen's orders, so I came to Zhangde."
The prince smiled innocently and said innocently: "It turns out that this is the order. My nephew also said that it was the emperor's clever plan and he had already taken precautions against the vassals."
As soon as this statement came out, it was hard to look at everyone's face.
The imperial court had not been on guard against the vassals for one, two, ten, or eight years. It had been on guard since Yongle.
But, can this layer of window paper be punctured?!
Shen Rui and Liao Boring said coldly and almost in unison: "Your Majesty, be careful what you say."
King Zhao almost lost his temper and hurriedly found a patch to paper the window. While scolding the prince, he told everyone that the children were ignorant and had listened to some random rumors.
The prince didn't care at all. He turned around and stared at Shen Rui. He smiled softly and said, "So, I wonder how Lord Shen got the order to search Linzhang Prince's Mansion?"
Shen Rui smiled lightly. In his past life, the future King Zhao had both political integrity and talent, and was a rare good prince in the clan. He actually had some expectations for this person. Unexpectedly, he was just a naughty kid now.
Without answering the prince, Shen Rui only turned to King Zhao and said: "The official has been waiting for this and was about to report it to the prince. The official went to quell the rebellion in Wu'an County and found out that the rebels were actually being raised by the Prince of Linzhang, and that General Zhu Youming of the Auxiliary State was in Ci. There are many illegal things going on in Cizhou, Shan, and if there is an emergency, and the official is responsible for it, he will call the commander-in-chief of Zhou to come and assist in law enforcement."
The prince once again jumped in front of his father and said coolly: "It is said in the teachings of Emperor Taizu and Ming Dynasty, 'If the emperor's relatives commit crimes, the successor will make his own decision. Those who commit minor offenses will have a meeting with relatives in Beijing, and those who commit serious offenses will have a meeting with relatives outside the capital. The kings and the relatives in Beijing are all selected from the superiors. The families of the offenders are not allowed to file memorials, and they are not allowed to arrest or interrogate without permission.'"
In the last sentence, I specially emphasized the accent and stared at Shen Rui and Zhou Xian.
Shen Rui turned to the prince and cupped his hand, "The prince is very knowledgeable. However, I remember that there is another sentence in the ancestral precepts, which is, 'Only those who commit rebellion will not be forgiven.'"
The Crown Prince's face became darker and darker, and he said sternly: "Lord Shen, be careful! How can we rush to a conclusion for committing a serious crime of treason?! Sir, please note: 'Every official who reports that Wang Xiaoguo has reported that he has not seen his relatives will be beheaded; if it is heard that the king has Those who have made serious mistakes and have no actual evidence to test them, and who often hear about them, will be guilty of the same crime'!"
However, Liao Boring on the side sneered and said in a rather sarcastic tone: "Master Shizi, the great ancestor, has memorized the ancestral precepts very well. It's just that Master Shen has collected a few boxes of cases. Is there any practical evidence?" If you want to check it out, Your Majesty, you might as well go and have a look."
The prefect Yu Pan had been quietly huddled in his chair and was feeling seriously ill. At this time, he secretly glanced at Liao Boring and cursed in his heart. This damn eunuch withdrew his courtesy, but turned around and wagged his tail at Shen Rui! Huh, Shen must be searching for the house. We want to get rid of Liu Dang, let's see what happens to this eunuch!
The prince seemed to hate Liao Bori so much that he only glared at him and said to Shen Rui: "Conspiracy, a serious crime like treason, should be judged by the court. You can't just wait for a few confessions from mountain bandits and refugees to be committed." Count!"
"Private checkpoints and forged customs defense seals are all evidenced by physical objects. According to Ming law, they are also punishable by death." Shen Rui said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, how dare you judge the clan arbitrarily? All the evidence files have been returned." The capital is decided by the emperor."
The prince was previously only thinking about tearing him up and plotting rebellion, but he was speechless for a moment and turned to argue: "Even if he is punished with death according to the law, it is only one person's ear. How dare you to raid the palace without permission?!"
Shen Rui didn't reply, but turned around and asked King Zhao: "Zhu Youming has set up a private checkpoint and has been doing it for nearly ten years, but the prince doesn't know anything about it?"
King Zhao had always wanted to interrupt, but he didn't. Now it was his turn to speak, but it was such a sharp question. He couldn't help but have a splitting headache. He opened his mouth and could only say: "I really don't know, it's my nature." Wang Shicha... Well, I have written to the Emperor..."
The prince could only put aside his own topic and come to his father's rescue first, saying: "My father Wang Zhai has a kindhearted heart and is known to all his relatives, so he was inevitably deceived by their clever words. After all, they are two places apart. Previously, the clan had no purpose to leave the city and not to the outside world. The restraints of the various prefectural governments are also weaker. As soon as this incident came out, my father was also extremely shocked. Even though he wrote a letter and went to Beijing, he couldn't sleep these past few days..."
Shen Rui nodded and said, "I have long heard that the prince is generous and charitable. When Henan was hit by the disaster, the prince and the prince even donated rice and set up porridge sheds to help the victims." After that, he asked Magistrate Yu about this.
Magistrate Yu could only put on a smile on his face and said in a hoarse voice that it was exactly the place. It could be said that it was a porridge shed somewhere. It was obvious that he had done his homework before coming here.
Liao Boring also intervened, saying that he had also heard about this matter, but he seemed to have forgotten that he had just quarreled with the prince, and praised King Zhao and his son, praising King Zhao for his benevolence and righteousness, which was an example to all the vassals.
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became relaxed.
After all, Prince Zhao is only half a boy. No matter how smart he is, he is no match for these people in the officialdom. He was a little confused. He was stunned for a long time before he came back to his senses. He couldn't help but secretly cursed Shen Rui for being cunning and cunning. topic.
But once the anger is released, it will be difficult to raise the anger again to talk about the investigation of Linzhang Prince's Mansion.
Besides, since Shen Rui and the others have praised their family in this way, they have separated their family from Linzhang Prince's Mansion, and they have also preserved the reputation of Prince Zhao's Mansion, so what else is he talking about!
When he turned around and saw his father who was obviously relaxed and talking politely, the prince suddenly felt that he was a little stupid before. Grinding his molars, he didn't want to talk anymore.
Liao Boring waited and treated him with official politeness, coaxing King Zhao to smile.
Shen Ruifang said: "I am here to report to the prince what happened in Linzhang, and there are a few other small things that I would like to ask the prince to tell me. The most important thing at the moment is the relief to the victims that I just mentioned."
King Zhao was weak, but he was not a fool. Hearing this, he hurriedly said: "We are all citizens of the Ming Dynasty. As a descendant of the Zhu family, I should do my part. This year, I and my son Lumi will donate all their money." Work with the government office to provide relief to the victims."
After saying that, he went to look at his son again and coughed. He wanted to remind his son to quickly say some nice words, but he saw that this brat was looking at his nose and nose and pretending to be mute. !
He had no choice but to continue: "In the first month of the twelfth lunar month, the palace will build several more porridge sheds. My son will take full charge of this matter."
Shen Rui looked in awe and said: "Your Majesty's kindness and kindness are really a blessing to the people! I just heard that the young master of Ning Mansion came to Beijing with some guards, and the Zhao Mansion also helped with some food and grass. The prince is donating food so generously this time. I don’t know if the remaining food in the house will be enough, so I don’t want to wrong the family.”
He was talking about the young master of the Ning Mansion, and his eyes glanced at Magistrate Yu over there, and Magistrate Yu couldn't help but stiffen.
King Zhao also looked uncomfortable, and it wasn't because of the incense from the Imperial Ancestral Temple!
An honest person like him doesn't care about anything in the future, but he also doesn't want to offend someone who might be able to achieve success in the future. Therefore, not to mention food and grass, even money and expenses, he also offers some.
In front of the little emperor's confidants like Shen Rui, who dared to say anything good about his succession, he could only say: "We are all relatives, so we just, um, just help out."
Fortunately, his precious son came to help in time, and the prince said: "Don't worry, Mr. Shen, the palace still has some surplus food, and several royal villages can more or less provide food. My father will also repair books and communicate with the Zhao family."
The vassal government, please donate more rice and grain to benefit the local area."
Shen Rui cupped his hands and said, "I would like to thank the prince and the crown prince on behalf of the people!"
However, Liao Boring added with a smile, "I think the grain and rice in Linzhang can also be used for disaster relief, and can also solve the urgent needs this winter."
The prince was so angry that he glared at Liao Boring fiercely. He couldn't hold it back anymore and said sarcastically: "I heard that Mr. Liao has already gained a lot since he came to Zhangde, but do you want to donate it to help the victims?"
Instead of being angry, Liao Boring gave a high-five and said with a smile: "The prince is really good at knowing things. Our family is planning on this." After saying that, he said to Shen Rui: "There are many officials and squires who also want to do their part.
We have donated some money and food, and our family has made a register one by one. When the matter in the palace is finished, I will just ask Mr. Shen to accept it."
The prince was so angry that he was so angry that he cursed in his heart for being shameless. He was clearly just scratching the ground, but in just two words he was disguised as the most virtuous person in the world!
He also thought, maybe these two people are working together, and the one named Shen pretends to collect the account books, but does not accept the stolen money, and turns around to make a fake account to prevaricate! He has to keep a close eye on these two things. Once he gets the handle,
Just tell them to look good!
Magistrate Yu's heart was filled with excitement. This eunuch just offered help to show his goodwill to Shen Rui, but actually donated money and food. Does he really want to join Shen Rui? Or is he just trying to avoid the danger because of the menacing attack of Shen Chao's family?! This also has a lot to do with it.
The layout afterwards...
However, it is a lie to say that the officials and gentry donated grain and rice to those who surrendered or not! The guarding eunuch said that he donated grain and rice, how could he, as the prefect, watch over it?! I don’t know how much it will cost this time!
Shen Rui had never thought that Liao Bor could cooperate to this extent, so he was busy praising Liao Bor.
He doesn't care whether Liao Boring is pretending to donate food at this time, or even if it is a fake, he will also run against Liao Boring and make a real donation.
Shen Rui's ears had been filled with Liao Boring's glorious deeds along the way. Even if Liao Boring wanted to join Zhang Yong in the future, he would not let him go easily. He would have to make this guy spit out all the stolen money and use it to build Henan.
, "Take it from the people and use it for the people."
After Shen Rui praised Liao Boring, he turned the topic back to Prince Zhao and his son, "Master Liao said that the prince knows things like a god, and it is indeed the case. There are two things that I want to report to the prince, and the prince also mentioned them just now."
King Zhao couldn't help but become a little nervous again, and the prince's face looked ugly.
Shen Rui seemed to be completely unaware and said to himself: "First, it is the affairs of the Zhao vassal government. Although the prince also restrains the government, as the prince said, the prince is the most kind-hearted and is not immune to being misled by others. The subordinate is checking Lin
During the Zhang case, Tang Yin and other countries were also involved, so I have to investigate further, so I came here to report it to Prince Ming."
They have all set their sights on Prince Tangyin’s Mansion, why are you here to ask? Prince Tangyin and Prince Linzhang are the same thing. King Zhao was busy clarifying the situation and said: "I was the one who made an oversight before, well, I failed to observe. If each government violated the national law,
This king will never shield you, well, I will never shield you!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Rui immediately followed up with "Your Majesty understands the righteousness", his tone was much more sincere than when he praised Liao Boring just now.
Then he said slowly: "Another matter is related to Wangzhuang. Your Majesty also knows that the Emperor has made an order to clear land for land in Henan, and will soon clear land for each family in Fucheng. Of course, this also includes the Wangzhuang in the palace. It still needs to be done."
The government cooperates. During the previous trial in Linzhang, it was found that many hidden fields and malicious donations were confiscated or returned to the original owners in accordance with the national law. This time, if there are some in the city, they must also comply with the national law. I hereby report to the prince.
.”
Although King Zhao ignores the general affairs, he still knows these things well. There is no way to support the expenses of such a large palace, and only rely on the Wangzhuang on the surface. How can it be possible!
But, one of them understands the principles of justice and the other follows the laws of the country, how can he still say no?!
King Zhao felt that his neck was extremely stiff and he could not nod or shake his head.
The prince took a deep look at Shen Rui and said, "Sir Shen, are you saying that every family in Zhangde Prefecture must have their own father-in-law? Every vassal house in Henan must have their own father-in-law?"
Shen Rui pretended to be surprised and said: "The emperor's edict has been issued for a long time, but the prince has not heard it? The emperor has issued an edict that all prefectures, states and counties in Henan, and every household must have their own father-in-law."
Then he bowed his hand to King Zhao and said, "Your Majesty is also setting an example for the vassals in Henan."
The prince said coldly: "Among the countries in Henan, my father is not the eldest, because he is not the one with the highest seniority. The Zhao family does not dare to follow this example."
To clear the land is to take food from the clan, and it will be difficult for oneself to make money, and there will be arrears from time to time. If the land is taken away, it will really force the clan to rebel!
How could the Zhao family stand on the opposite side of the clan? The prince was secretly angry. Promising to donate food for disaster relief was already a great honor, but if he mentioned the father-in-law again, he would go even further. He really had to speak to the emperor!
Liao Boring's face darkened when he heard this.
It was Liu Jin who originally proposed the idea of clearing Henan, and Liao Boring, as the vanguard of the Liu Party, had been instigating this matter in Kaifeng Prefecture for a long time.
Now that Liu Jin has fallen from power, this policy has not been abandoned. Liao Boring figured out the emperor's intentions and planned to continue to make great achievements in Qingzhang, so as to wash away the imprint of Liu's party and be reused again.
Since the Qing Dynasty has to start with showing virtue, if Zhao Fan gets in the way, it will be even harder for the subsequent princes to implement it.
"Your Majesty, are you prepared to resist the imperial edict and disrespect it?" Facing the roadblock, Liao Boring's eyes were full of coldness and his tone was serious. He really wished that he could immediately turn from resisting the edict to treason and knock Zhao Fan to the ground completely.
"Nonsense...nonsense, nonsense!" The hat was pulled off, and King Zhao became angry and anxious, and even stammered on his lips.
Prince Zhao immediately shouted sternly: "Master Liao, please don't spit on anyone!"
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense again.
On the other hand, Zhou Xian, who had been silent all this time, tried to smooth things over and said calmly: "Master Liao is also devoted to sharing the worries of the Holy One, and the prince is also loyal to the emperor and loves the people. Both of them have good intentions, but they are a little hasty in talking."
Liao Boring was aware of Zhou Xian's status in the clan and in the eyes of the emperor. At first, he had to forcefully slow down his tone and said, "This official is impatient."
The prince ignored Liao Boring and only said to Zhou Xian, "Cousin Mingjian." Then he glanced at Shen Rui provocatively.
Shen Rui did not even mention his father-in-law. He smiled at the prince and said, "There is one thing that the prince must be able to set an example for. Previously, the emperor issued a decree to promulgate the "Regulations on Duties and Vassals", which included the lifting of the ban on entering official positions.
"
The Crown Prince looked at Shen Rui with a mocking look on his face, "'If there are any generals of the clan and lieutenants who are not willing to be awarded the title, they can suspend the title and take the exam together with the students...'"
This ban on entering the officialdom is also for those with low-level titles. He is the eldest son and has been granted the title of Crown Prince. He is the natural next King of Zhao. What does becoming an official have to do with him? What an example he should set!
But I heard Shen Rui say: "If the children of the clan want to take the imperial examination and become an official, they must also study hard and study hard. With the talent and learning of the prince, it is easy to become a Jinshi. Therefore, if you want to establish this school well, the chief of the mountain must be the prince. I want to come here. There are also knowledgeable disciples in the government who are willing to give it a try, but I’m afraid they all will come to ask for the prince’s advice.”
After all, the prince is a young man, and he is a young man who is quite confident in his talents and learning. Hearing this, he couldn't help but feel proud and a little moved.
He also felt that he was bound to go to high school for the scientific examination, but it was a pity that he was not allowed to end up because of his status. However, if he could teach a few Jinshi students, wouldn't it show his knowledge even more!
Although he thought so, his face was still calm and he said reservedly: "Shen Chuanxu is so complimentary."
Shen Rui said again: "There is another issue when the Zongxue is to be established. Forgive me for speaking frankly. Although there are talents in each government, it is inevitable that there will be dead branches on the trees. There are arrogant, extravagant, sinful and cruel people like Zhu Youming. These people need Zongxue envoys even more." He is courteous and knows the laws. Therefore, in addition to hiring famous teachers, religious studies also need to invite "strict teachers" to be effective.
"Although each government has established its own sect, I am afraid that there are still many shortcomings. The lower officials secretly thought that they should set up a position to take charge of the overall situation. They should be posted in the ancestral government and sit in Henan to communicate with the vassal government and the imperial court. This position has a long way to go. , not only talent and learning are needed, but talent is also needed, and no one other than the prince, who has both ability and moral integrity and a sense of responsibility, can do it."
As soon as these words came out, everyone looked at Shen Rui in surprise. No one expected that he could make such a move.
The regulations of the sect and vassalage require all the children of the clan to enter the sect. Those who fail to pass the examination and graduate will not have titles and luxuries.
If there is another "general manager" position above the sects of each government, specifically responsible for "communicating" between the vassal government and the imperial court, the power can be imagined.
Even if he is as honest as King Zhao, he will still be moved.
He cleared his throat to remind his son, but when he saw that his son had no idea what he was thinking and lowered his head without saying a word, he had no choice but to speak out: "If the sect can be established and established firmly, and there will be more talented people in the future, it will not be accepted." Being an official can benefit the place and is also beneficial to the country and the people."
After a pause, he added: "I would like to allocate hundreds of acres of land in Wangzhuang to support religious education."
Shen Rui praised and praised again and again, and then gave advice: "I heard that King Xing of Huguang had previously funded the construction of an academy. In the past few months, he has also established a religious school. He also used "scholarships" to encourage the children of the clan to study and improve according to some folk ethnographic practices. In Shandong, Prince Heng also allocated money and fields to support medical clinics such as Qingzhou Prefecture's Jishi Hall. Various good ideas were submitted to the court and received great praise from the emperor. Your Majesty, you may also refer to them."
King Zhao nodded repeatedly when he heard this, and immediately said: "Great kindness! The Zhao family's sect should also be like this."
Prince Xing and Heng both clearly stated their support for the vassal regulations. King Zhao was previously a wait-and-see faction, but now that Zhu Youming has caused such a disaster, it is better... to express his support for the vassal regulations through Jianzongxue.
It's easy to write a letter bragging about how good your family's religious education is, but his son is a wonderful writer!
King Zhao glanced at his son and said, "You should remember all of these. Once you have established the sect, you will do it one by one."
The prince seemed to have figured out something. He raised his head and responded to his father. Then he solemnly bowed his hand to Shen Rui as a gift and said seriously: "Thanks to Mr. Shen for your love, Hou Yu is willing to give it a try."
When King Zhao heard this, he immediately felt relieved and nodded desperately with a smile on his face.
Shen Rui also nodded slightly and returned the courtesy with a few polite words. It was said that the prince was being too modest. He was still very optimistic about this young man.
"I have also heard about Sir Shen's construction of academies and hospitals in Guangdong, Shandong. I wonder if your Excellency will also build more academies and hospitals when he comes to Henan?" the prince suddenly asked.
He added, "Although the family background of Zhao Mansion is not as good as that of Xing Mansion and Heng Mansion is richer, it is still willing to do its part for the local government and the court. In addition to religious studies, Zhao Mansion is willing to allocate more Wangzhuang acres like those of the Second Mansion.
Support the academy and hospital.”
The young man's eyes were clear and bright, especially when he talked about the academy, his eyes were filled with brilliance.
Shen Rui was stunned for a moment, then turned to smile and said: "The prince is very benevolent and righteous. To be honest with the prince and the prince, I do have plans to build an academy, but it may be somewhat different from what the prince wants."
"There are many rivers in Zhangde Prefecture and even Henan. In recent years, the weather has been bad, so we should make good use of the benefits of the rivers. The lower official has invited the minister of the Ministry of Industry and Engineering, Li Yi, and Li Shangshu to come out. He also wants to build several water conservancy engineering colleges.
Specializing in water control, canal construction and irrigation to facilitate farming...I wonder if the prince is interested in this..."
Prince Zhao listened quietly, thought for a moment, and raised his eyebrows, "I would like to hear the details."
A sincere smile broke out on Shen Rui's face.
If someone wants to be an "educator" clan, it is ten thousand times better than wanting to be a "mountain king" clan, and he will be very happy to promote it.
*
At the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, the son of the one member of the clan who was very serious about his work and wanted to be promoted to the emperor arrived in the capital, actively preparing to become the "Ancestral Temple Sixiang" and moving towards his dream...